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In its annual holiday hiring forecast, global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas estimates that seasonal job gains are likely to be up slightly from a year ago, though still below pre-recession levels.

CEO John Challenger says the number of holiday retail hires can make a real difference, even if the jobs themselves rarely last beyond New Year’s.

“Each year, people take second jobs. Some of the people who’ve been out of work go take these temporary jobs, and that gives them spending money that does pour back into the economy. That’s all to the good.”

Challenger says those hoping to take advantage of the seasonal hiring should act early. Several major retailers have already announced large hiring plans. Among these, Target expects to hire between 80,000-90,000 seasonal employees. Kohl’s plans to hire nearly 53,000, while Hickory Farms and Amazon each say they’ll add about 5,000.